NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

On February 5 and 7, 2002, the United States Department of Education will conduct public hearings to determine weather it should enter into a compliance agreement with U.S. Virgin Islands (VI) offices and agencies including The Office of the Governor, Office of Management and Budget, and the V.I. Departments of Education, Health, Finance, Property and Procurement, and Personnel. Under such a compliance agreement, the VI would continue to be eligible to receive funds under a number of Federal education programs, including Title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Adult education and Family Literacy Act (Title II of the Workforce Investment Act), the Carl D Perkins vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Perkins III), and Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), while it works to attain compliance with the Federal requirements relating to these programs, including the resolution of fiscal and administrative problems that have impeded its ability to implement these programs properly. All parties in attendance at the public hearings will be given an opportunity to present written and/or oral testimony regarding the appropriateness of a compliance agreement as a means of ensuring that the VI meets the requirements of these programs and is able to implement the programs in a way that serves students effectively. You may request a copy of a more detailed written notice of the hearings in English or Spanish or an alternative format, by contacting Tina Otter~ U-S Department of Education (2O2-4O1-0462) or Tina.Otter@ed.gov or Lisa Harris. U.S. Department of Education (202-401-6042) or Lisa.Harris@ed.gov